V. SRIHARI AND ASHUTOSH DAS
Abstract
Treatment of wastewater by adsorption has been one of the most widely used techniques in pollution control. In addition to the estimation of adsorption capacities by different adsorbents, the evaluation of characteristics of adsorption process also plays an important role in assessment of suitability of adsorbents. The present paper outlines the utilization of thermodynamic parameters to determine effective adsorbent for COD removal from wastewater generated from sugar industries using natural clays. The studies reveal the suitability of montmorillonite clay as an effective adsorbent and the scope for its blend with kaolinite or laterite for improvement in the spontaneity of the adsorption process (as indicated by low free energy and heat of adsorption).